Trans-Zion Trek: Hardcore
Description:
This is the trip to take if you want to backpack for several days, soak in all Zion has to offer, and see few people. Winter is not a good time to do this trek (snow makes areas impassable), nor is the height of summer (VERY hot). Spring and fall are the best times in Zion, but beware flash flood season in the autumnal months and plan accordingly. Being fully prepared for this nearly 50-mile trip will ensure the greatest success in terms of fun. There is one really long day involved, so hikers need to be truly fit and ready for this trip. Not really for beginners, unless they are quite physically fit and accompanied by experienced backpackers! Plan well, get back country permits, and check in with the Kolob Canyons rangers to have a firm idea of what to expect on the trail. See this site for updated trail conditions: http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/backcountry-trail-conditions.htm. Then get out under the stars and enjoy hiking Zion's best.
Author: Julie Trevelyan
Day 1 - Springdale, Zion National Park
Zion Rock and Mountain Guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area. Check in with them for tips, gear, and shuttle service. Backcountry permit in hand, make sure you check on trail conditions, which are available on the NPS website or by calling the Park. Get up & at 'em early in the day. Start at Lee Pass, in the Kolob Canyon district of Zion, which is a well-marked trailhead about 3.5 miles from the Visitor Center. Enjoy vistas few see as you hike to Kolob Arch (7 miles). Set up in one of the designated campisites along the La Verkin River. Make the brief side trip to see Kolob Arch, one of North America's largest free-standing natural arches.
1
Zion Rock & Mountain Guides
Location:
view in google maps1458 Zion Park Blvd.
PO Box 623
Springdale, UT 84767
Phone:
(435) 772-33032
Kolob Arch
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
Phone:
(435) 772-3256Day 2 - Zion National Park
Today might be your most kick-butt day in terms of miles (16)! You'll head through Hop Vally (some say serene, some say mucked up by cows), hit the Connector Trail and then the Wildcat Canyon Trail. Keep an eye out for golden eagles and bald eagles, among the 290 bird species found in Zion. Camp along the Weest Rim Trail, again in a designated, pre-picked site. Ah, dinner outdoors...yum!
1
West Rim
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
Day 4 - Zion National Park
Views from the West Rim Trail are still stunning. You may begin to run into crowds here. If you want to continue on to the East Rim Trail, today's the day, and that means a big push. But the hike can be ended just by dropping down to the Zion valley floor at the Grotto and catching the shuttle to your evening destination. Or you can head on to Echo Canyon (about 10 miles) and camp there. If you decide to finish up here, a good side-trip would be to head out to Angels Landing (don't wear your full backpacks on this skinny, often people-packed trail with sheer drop-offs—stash your packs somewhere first) and take in more endless vistas before heading down to dinner at the Spotted Dog in Springdale and a good night's sleep at the sweet Red Rock B&B.
2
Angels Landing
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
3
Zion Shuttle
Location:
view in google mapsZion National Park
Zion National Park, UT 84767
Phone:
(435) 772-3256